A Deacon Must Be…

A Tribute To James Lee Rankin

The Lord graciously took our dear friend and brother, James Lee Rankin, home to glory last Wednesday morning. Though he discussed it with very few, James had been sick for a long time. It was one of his many admirable traits that he did not call attention to himself.

Because he specifically requested that no eulogy be given of him at his memorial service, none was. Yet, it is fitting that honor be given to those to whom honor is due (Rom. 13:7). Therefore, I have chosen to take this space to give tribute to a beloved friend and a faithful deacon. I do so to honor him and the God he serves, and to give instruction to those left here to serve our all glorious Christ a while longer.

Norma will tell you that James was a loving, tender, gentle husband. His boys, Barry and Danny, will tell you that he was an exemplary father. I knew him best as a deacon with whom I had the privilege of serving the church of God for eighteen years.

If you will carefully read what the Holy Spirit tells us a deacon must be in 1 Timothy 3:9-13, you will see a very accurate description of Bro. Rankin. He was not a loud, showy man, but quiet and humble. James learned by the grace of God what very few learn. He learned how to bridle his tongue. In the eighteen years I was privileged to be his pastor, I never heard him say, or heard of him saying, anything out of the way or unbecoming. I never saw him out of temper.

James was not a well-educated man; but he was a well-learned man. He had been to the school of grace, taught by the Spirit of God the things of Christ. He held the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience with the firmness that only simplicity can. A sinner saved by God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ, James Lee loved to hear Christ exalted. He rejoiced in the great, glorious, God-honoring gospel doctrines of election, predestination, substitution, satisfaction, and forgiveness.

He was not a greedy man. He cared nothing for wealth, praise, position, or power. Rather, James was one of the most generous, self-effacing, gracious men I have ever known. If something needed doing, he was always ready to do what he could. Yet, most people were never aware of him doing so. That is just the way he wanted it.

The last thing I asked him to do for me was to make two wall mounts for the new speakers recently mounted in the church auditorium. At the time I made the request, I had no idea how large and heavy the speakers would be. When I saw them, I knew immediately that what I had requested would not work. Before I could tell him, James had the shelves made and ready to mount. I was terribly embarrassed. He was very gracious. He was not even slightly upset by my mistake. Instead, he asked if I would like for him to make some bigger shelves!

Truly, James Lee Rankin was a blameless man who used the office of a deacon well. I will miss you, my dear brother. Your memory inspires me to be a better pastor, a better father, a better husband, a better friend.

Don Fortner